Factors affecting implementation of hospital management information systems in Pakistan

Information technology is not being optimally incorporated in developing countries for improving healthcare practices and the implementation problems have been so portrayed that it has further reduced investors’ confidence in hospital management information systems (HMIS). The purpose of this study was to ascertain the actual impact of various factors on HMIS in Pakistan for which an exploratory study was conducted base on qualitative and quantitative survey in which staff from eight hospitals was approached. Data from randomly selected 145 respondents was analysed and it was found that organizational culture is the main issue in transition from conventional to IT based hospital management system. Other significant factors like organizational functionality, finances, skills, infrastructure, lack of standardization and lack of government sponsorship also affect. Doctor’s commitment in implementation of HMIS plays a pivotal role, therefore, they have to be motivated and taken on board. HMIS awareness in Pakistan was significant and a positive trend exists in the private sector to adopt it while public hospitals have been slow to follow. An assertive drive at government level can steer the process, thereby, paving a solid foundation for adoption of e-health in near future.